CANDIDATES vying to become Scotland’s next first minister have set-out how they want to work with the North-east business community to grow Scotland’s economy.
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce wrote to all three candidates four weeks ago with a list of three priorities on behalf of their 1,150 member companies, who collectively employ over 100,000 people in the region.
In the letters, AGCC asked for a re-set of the strained relationship between business and government, and an urgent review of anti-business policies, including the Deposit Return Scheme, and the ongoing consultation on restricting alcohol advertising and promotion, as well as highlighting the need for significant investment in infrastructure to capitalise on the net zero opportunity, and to better connected the North-east to the the rest of the UK, Europe and the world. They also pushed for the government to drop its newly adopted position supporting a presumption against oil and gas exploration.
Here’s how the candidates responded.
Kate Forbes responded directly, writing: “I welcome calls from the Chamber of Commerce for a meaningful reset of the relationship between business and government. I have placed economic growth and realising Scotland’s potential at the heart of my campaign: I firmly believe that a strong growing economy is the backbone in the mission to tackle poverty.
“Turning to your three key priorities, I think we are all clear that we do need to move away from reliance on oil and gas through a just transition. For me, the key word here is ‘transition.’ We must transition, but we must also be careful to avoid any cliff edges in policy. Transition must take place at a rate that does not compromise energy security, job security in the North-east or our ability to invest in renewables.
“On your second point around the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), I fully recognise the additional strain that an overly complex scheme has placed on business, particularly small businesses which I believe are the backbone of the Scottish economy. If elected First Minister, I’d like to give businesses some breathing space by pausing the roll out of the DRS, which is a well-intentioned scheme, until some of the issues raised by business can be ironed out.
“Lastly, as a Highlander and MSP for communities in the North, I particularly appreciate the points you have made around infrastructure and transport links in the North-east. If elected First Minister, I have pledged to upgrade the A96 as a matter of priority.
“I agree that the electrification of rail must be at the heart of the Scottish Government’s plans to improve transport links in the North-east but that that must deliver improved journey times and reliability. Routes where electrification is not appropriate offer significant opportunities for the introduction of rail technologies such as battery and hydrogen, and by the end of this parliament, I hope to see at least one pilot service in operation.
“As First Minister, I’m also committed to carrying through legislation to ensure developers provide electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the construction of new residential and non-residential building, as well as exploring how roll out in the North-east might be delivered more effectively in partnership with business.
“The North-east is poised to be a world leader in renewables – but only if we invest in infrastructure. The economic opportunities are significant, and if elected First Minister I am committed to working with the Chamber of Commerce and others to best examine how we might improve upon existing infrastructure to increase the competitiveness of the North-east and maximise economic potential.
“If elected First Minister, I look forward to building on the work and relationships that I have already established as Finance Secretary with the business sector to promote a thriving and productive Scottish economy.”
Ash Regan’s team responded, writing: “Ms Regan is currently reviewing the letter and hopes to respond in due course.
“You will be aware that Ms Regan has adopted some of the ideas touted in the letter and is keen to engage with the North-east in the coming weeks.
“She is keen to ensure that the North-east isn’t left behind or neglected if she becomes First Minister – which I am sure you and your members will all appreciate.”
Neither Humza Yousaf, nor his team, responded to the letter. However, he did earlier set-out some North-east business priorities during a visit to Aberdeen at the weekend.
